Page 129 of Bea's Book Wagon
She ordered a whisky from Pete, downed it in one, and was just about to order another when she felt a gentle tap on the shoulder and turned round to see Nathan, her Nathan, behind her.
‘Hello, you,’ he said, leaning down to kiss her on the cheek.
He looked gorgeous, and Bea took a nervous swallow. How was it she’d never noticed how cute his dimples looked when he smiled? He was so familiar to her, but now she saw him clearly. The most handsome, kind, thoughtful and caring man she’d ever known.
Oh, Nathan, she thought. Why did it take me so long to see you?
Gathering herself, she replied, ‘Hey, yourself! Good day?’
‘Yeah, fine, good, just the usual, really. So, do you know when we’ll be able to open?’ he continued, catching her off guard. So he wasn’t going to mention his date, then, she thought.
‘Erm… no, not yet. There’s so much to do, we need to sit down properly, work it all out. We’ll need to add shelving, of course, but I’m going to speak to Greg about that. Then there’s the colour scheme to think about. I thought I might paint it in the same pastel colours as the wagon? What?’ she asked, suddenly aware of his eyes upon her.
‘I dunno,’ he shrugged, his green eyes dancing with mischief. ‘It’s just you. You light up when you talk about your business. Honestly, it’s so sweet.’
Bea reached for her empty glass again, her fingers brushing his. Their eyes locked and she felt something flicker between them. The knot in her stomach was tightening – this was it, this was the moment to tell him how she really felt…
‘Listen, Nate, I—’
‘Bea! I’ve just heard the news about the shop, my dear!’ Bea looked up and there was Jean, beaming widely, looming over her. She cursed her timing.
‘It’s brilliant news, isn’t it?’ said Nathan, smiling warmly.
‘Oh, absolutely! I’m so pleased for you,’ said Jean.
‘Thanks,’ said Bea, flatly, all the spark having left her.
‘Looking forward to the launch party!’ called Jean, heading for the bar.
‘Great, thanks,’ Bea replied.
‘Sorry, were you going to say something?’ Nathan asked, his boyish grin wide.
Her heart flipped.
‘Yeah, so…’ she started. ‘The thing is, Nate, I—’
‘Congratulations, Bea! Tori told me about the shop,’ called out Rose, walking into the pub with Scout.
For God’s sake.
‘Thanks,’ Bea replied, momentarily distracted by the always-excitable Border Collie.
‘I don’t suppose you’ve seen Jake, have you?’ Rose asked.
‘Yeah, I saw him head to the beer garden,’ said Nathan, helpfully.
‘Ah, brilliant, thanks,’ said Rose. ‘By the way, did I tell you we’re off to Portofino in October? It sounded so wonderful in that book we read for Book Club, and Jake surprised me and booked it!’
‘Wow! I can’t believe it!’ said Bea.
‘Me neither, I can’t wait. We’re going to try to find that secret beach that Damian takes Jane to,’ Rose grinned. ‘Anyway, see you later.’
‘Do you fancy going for a walk?’ she asked Nathan, quickly, before anyone else interrupted her.
‘What, now?’ Nathan replied, surprised. ‘Don’t you want another drink?’
‘Nah, I’m fine,’ said Bea, trying to sound casual. ‘Come on, it’s a nice night,’ she added.
‘Sure, okay, a walk sounds great,’ said Nathan, downing the dregs of his pint. ‘Lead the way.’
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